Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill admits he is still undecided over the future of Nicklas Bendtner.

The 24-year-old Denmark international was inherited on a season-long loan deal from Steve Bruce and Arsenal seem keen to get his £50,000-plus wages off their budget permanently.

But O’Neill, who left Ellis Short’s funds untouched in January, will fancy scouring the summer market before contemplating any pricey deal for Bendtner.

Blow: Nicklas Bendtner picked up a knock against Liverpool

So far only Bayern Munich and Hannover have shown any interest, but that could change in the summer if Arsenal put him on the market and O’Neill decides to look elsewhere.

O’Neill said: 'His future? I really don't know. I've not even discussed it with him.

'But I think he realises it's a big season for him. He's been sent out on loan to us from Arsenal who have decided not to use him this season. Perhaps that would have been a blow to his confidence, although perhaps not.'

Bendtner is proving useful to O’Neill now after six games out - he scored just two in 12 before that.

Saturday’s winner to snatch a dreadful game from Liverpool was his second in two matches since coming back from a broken nose and playing in his mask, with Danish flag and all.

'I’m surprised he can see out of it with all the insignia,' O’ Neill joked.

The Dane departed on a stretcher with a wince and a wave after he was clattered by Martin Skrtel. He will have a scan on the injury on Sunday.

Decisive: Bendtner's strike gave Sunderland the victory

After forming a promising understanding with Fraizer Campbell in the absence of suspended Stephane Sessegnon, O’Neill is hoping he will be fit for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Everton.

The Sunderland boss acknowledged that Bendtner has recognised the importance of the next 10 games in red and white for himself, while encompassing a team ethos which his new players have grasped quickly and efficiently in his three months in charge.

He said: 'The goal will have given him a boost in confidence, although I've chided myself because that's the last thing he needs. But he did very well.

'We have a few jokes at his expense but when he's strong and fully fit he is a handful. I know that the crowd get a week bit irked at times and might feel he can bring it in a bit but he gives us a presence and fans might like that.

Unsure: Martin O'Neill will scour the market before deciding who to buy

'Steve Bruce may well have told you, when he went to Birmingham as an 18 year old, he was trying to pick the team after a week.

'He has enormous self-belief, there's no doubt about that and it never seems to flinch no matter what he's done in the game.

'It's a wonderful thing to have - I wish I'd had it myself. If it's properly placed, it's fine - you can have all the self-belief in the world but you need the ability to go with it. Fortunately he has the ability.

'And I think he's bought into the team ethos. Since I've known him over the last three months, he's actually concerned himself with the team and even more now since he's come back.

'He had a little spell out and I think he might have realised then that the team has to come first.'